Join microbiome leaders like Paul Schulick (For The Biome), Dr. Zac Lewis (Synbiotic Health), and scientific experts from IFF Health as we dive into the exciting world of cutting-edge science and microbiome market opportunities.

Microbiome 2021: A Nutritional Outlook Symposium: December 1, 2021

The future of fiber ingredients looks bright.

Fiber forward: Where are fiber food ingredient trends heading?

Fiber’s got a lot going for it. One of the biggest boons is consumer recognition. As an ingredient, fiber’s perceived healthfulness is the highest among consumers, according to the 2021 Food and Health Survey from the International Food Information Council (IFIC), with 56% of respondents actively trying to consume fiber. For manufacturers, fiber also boasts a lot of advantages. Fiber ingredients can improve the texture and stability of baked goods and even yogurts, help with sugar reduction, and add valuable digestive and cardiovascular health benefits.

According to the IFIC survey, a majority of consumers (92%) try to get fiber from food, but 1 in 5 still use supplements for fiber. To help consumers achieve their daily recommended fiber intake, offering well-tolerated products is paramount. “It can be difficult to meet the daily recommended value of fiber of 28 g for a typical 2,000-calorie-per-day diet through consumption of foods,” explains Sarah Diedrich, marketing director, sweetening solutions & fibers, ADM (Chicago, IL). “To conveniently add more fiber, some consumers look to foods fortified with added fiber, but these products can be associated with gastric distress. Our research finds that nearly 70% of consumers would not purchase a product again if it caused gastrointestinal discomfort.”

Fiber is associated with a number of health benefits as science on the gut microbiome improves. One growing interest area is the connection between digestive health and immunity.

“The early research suggests that prebiotic dietary fibers, such as our Promitor Soluble Fiber, may help support immune health, and research continues regarding this potential benefit,” says Melissa Kaczmarczyk, principal scientist, Global Nutrition, Tate & Lyle (London). “Furthermore, a lack of dietary fiber intake can have negative impacts on the gut barrier and result in increased susceptibility to pathogens.”

“Consumers’ concern for their immune health has only intensified throughout the pandemic, with 65% of global consumers more conscious of immunity due to COVID-19,” says Diedrich, citing research from FMCG Gurus. And they’re looking at fiber. “In fact, of the 87% of U.S. consumers interested in products with ingredients that may support immune function, 65% are specifically interested in fiber. We anticipate an increase in the development of fiber ingredients that link to immune function–supporting benefits as consumer demand grows.”

Prebiotic claims can promote the digestive and immune health benefits of fiber products, but manufacturers should be careful not to confuse consumers.

may cause confusion without proper explanation, but the use of this term shows a greater interest in trying to understand the complexities of gut health,” Kaczmarczyk says. “While consumers today have a greater understanding of gut health, additional education needs to be provided to further explain the differences and benefits that prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics can have on the human microbiome. Additionally, not all consumers today know that many types of soluble fibers are prebiotics.”

She adds, “Over the past 90 days, social media posts confirm interest in ‘fiber’ and ‘prebiotics,’ but the combination of these two terms does not appear as frequently. This data supports that while prebiotics are being talked about alongside fiber, additional steps need to be taken to educate consumers on the link between fibers and prebiotics.”

According to Nicole Redini, category strategy manager, NOAM, Tate & Lyle, not enough manufacturers leverage the fiber content in their products. “From an opportunity standpoint, only around 2%-3% of food and beverage U.S. launches make a high-/added-fiber claim, which may indicate that while several products contain fiber, consumers may not be fully aware of the benefits,” says Redini. “In addition, less than 1% of U.S. food and drink launches contain a prebiotic claim. This presents an opportunity for brands to launch products with high-fiber, prebiotic, and gut health claims to ensure consumers are aware of the benefits they are receiving by consuming products containing fiber.”

With the development of well-tolerated and versatile fiber ingredients like ADM’s Fibersol and Tate & Lyle’s Promitor Soluble Fibers, fiber can play in many products. “The category with the greatest share of new product launches containing soluble fiber ingredients remains snack, cereal, and energy bars, according to Mintel GNPD,” says Redini. “However, in 2020 and 2021, other categories such as sweet biscuits and cookies, cold cereals, vitamins and dietary supplements, and ice cream saw an increased share in launches containing fiber. There has also been a continued rise in the launch of fiber-based gummy supplements over the past year to support gut health.”

The takeaway? Fiber has a lot to look forward to—and so do consumers.

Articles

Alissa Marrapodi is Industry Insights Contributor, Custom Content Editor, MJH Life Sciences.

BGG World (Irvine, CA; BGG) and its subsidiary Algae Health Sciences (AHS) published a list of 1,200 studies showing the 10 clinically validated health benefits of astaxanthin as well as its emerging benefits with the hope of furthering industry and consumer knowledge.

“This comprehensive list is truly impressive,” said Yanmei Li, PhD, chief scientific officer for BGG Global, said in a press release. “The clinical evidence for astaxanthin to assist in ten distinct areas of health concerns has reached critical mass. And it’s particularly noteworthy that more than 100 publications are appearing every year on average over the last several years substantiating these health benefits and investigating new ways that Astaxanthin can positively impact human health and nutrition.”

136 human clinical trials demonstrating astaxanthin’s efficacy for eye and brain health; skin health; joint and tendon health; sports nutrition; immune system modulation; cardiovascular health; reproductive and hormonal health; antioxidant protection; and healthy aging. A minimum of five human clinical trials were done for each of these health areas. 

More than 600 supporting pre-clinical trials in animals and in-vitro corroborating the above clinically validated health benefits.

Approximately 300 additional studies in emerging areas of medical research including liver and kidney health; glucose management; respiratory health; gastrointestinal health; and support for healthy cell lines. 

The document is available to all BGG customers and non-customers by emailing support@bggworld.com.

BGG World and its subsidiary Algae Health Sciences (AHS) published a list of 1,200 studies showing the 10 clinically validated health benefits of astaxanthin as well as its emerging benefits with the hope of furthering industry and consumer knowledge.

BGG World publishes comprehensive list of astaxanthin research

PLT Health Solutions (Morristown, NJ) partnered with a carbon-reduction and offset organization, Carbonfund.org Foundation, Inc. (East Aurora, NY), and received Carbonfree-partner designation. PLT has instituted a company-wide emissions reduction program to lower its environmental impact, including offsetting its electricity usage and shipping carbon emissions via carbon offsets generated from The Envira Amazonia Project, a tropical forest conservation initiative in Brazil that protects nearly 500,000 acres of tropical rainforest.

“As a company in the business of promoting health and wellness via plant-based ingredients, PLT Health Solutions understands that environmental protection, sustainable sourcing, protection of natural resources and ethical conduct are not only the right thing to do – they are also good business,” said Devin Stagg, COO for PLT Health Solutions, in a press release. “Without a vibrant global ecosystem, we won’t have access to the natural, botanical materials that form the foundation of our products. And without a partnership-type relationship with the communities that grow, harvest, and process these raw materials, PLT Health Solutions loses access to the indigenous knowledge and innovation that makes our ingredients relevant and special.”

PLT engages in a number of activities to reduce carbon emissions, including consolidating its international product shipments to reduce cargo emissions, and balancing essential business travel with virtual meetings to reduce air travel emissions. These efforts are part of PLT’s broader sustainability platform.

PLT Health Solutions partnered with a carbon-reduction and offset organization, Carbonfund.org Foundation, Inc., and received Carbonfree-partner designation. 

PLT achieves carbon-neutral designation

Solabia-Algatech Nutrition (Kibbutz Ketura, Israel) introduced a multi-blend AstaPure Max, which is centered around its Astapure Arava whole-algae astaxanthin complex, designed to reduce post-exercise muscle pain and fatigue. The new blend is combined with easily-absorbed magnesium glycerophosphate and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). 

“Astaxanthin is increasingly gaining recognition both by industry stakeholders and health-conscious consumers for its valuable contribution to the sports nutrition sector,” said Doron Safrai, CEO of Solabia-Algatech Nutrition, in a press release. “As a world leading manufacturer of astaxanthin, our goal is to keep bringing astaxanthin-centered innovation to the market. That is why we developed the AstaPure Max formula uniquely for the flourishing sports nutrition category.” 

The formula’s positive effect on physical resilience was demonstrated in an eight-week survey study conducted by the company. It compared AstaPure Max to a placebo on 160 subjects who exercise regularly at least three times a week. Over the eight-week period, 160 subjects were instructed to complete an online survey twice a week to monitor their experience, level of pain, cramps, and recovery. The AstaPure Max treatment group showed a substantial reduction in the number of subjects reporting pain, compared to a mild reduction in the placebo group. The group also reported a reduction in pain after exercise. At baseline, 74% experienced pain after exercise which was reduced to 47% after seven weeks, and35% after eight weeks of supplementation. These results were statistically different from the results of the placebo group in which 65% reported pain after exercise, which did not change after sever weeks, and only fell to 58% after eight weeks.

Solabia-Algatech Nutrition introduced a multi-blend AstaPure Max, which is centered around its Astapure Arava whole-algae astaxanthin complex, designed to reduce post-exercise muscle pain and fatigue. 

Solabia-Algatech Nutrition launches astaxanthin blend for post-exercise muscle discomfort

The United States is the second largest consumer of turkey, behind Israel.

https://www.agmrc.org/commodities-products/livestock/poultry/turkey-profile

Fun fact! The United States is the second largest consumer of turkey, behind Israel.

Turkey consumption

True Grace (Pewaukee, WI) launched a new program in partnership with Rodale Institute to support scientific research—known as the Vegetable Systems Trial—that examines how soil health and farm-management practices impact the health of humans and the planet. The research will, more specifically, study how regenerative organic agriculture impacts nutrient density in crops while also contributing to climate mitigation through sequestration of atmospheric CO2 in the soil. 

“We believe regenerative practices are the key to a healthy future, not only for the planet and human health, but the livelihoods of American farmers,” said Brian Hall, CEO of True Grace, in a press release. “We’re honored to partner with Rodale Institute as one of the leading institutions advancing the regenerative organic movement. We see a clear connection between the health of our soil, our personal health and the planet, and more research is needed to scientifically validate this. At the same time, there is a significant need for more organic and regenerative ingredients and produce, and farmers urgently need on-the-ground support to begin making a transition. We’re excited to lock hand-in-hand to help them achieve this and together create a more sustainable future for generations to come.”

The partnership will also provide funding that will support farmers who are interested in transitioning their land to organic systems. The funds from True Grace will help Rodale Institute’s Organic Consulting program to provide 300 hours of consulting services to farmers throughout Wisconsin, enough to begin transitioning approximately 30 farms to a regenerative organic model. 

The research will study how regenerative organic agriculture impacts nutrient density in crops while also contributing to climate mitigation through sequestration of atmospheric CO2 in the soil. 

True Grace, Rodale Institute partner to research impact of regenerative agriculture on nutrition

PLT Health Solutions’ (Morristown, NJ) Collactive Collagen Complex, a 100% marine-based ingredient of collagen and elastin peptides, received non-GMO verification—for raw materials, manufacturing processes, and logistics—from The Non-GMO Project. The ingredient is manufactured by Copalis Sea Solutions, representing a cooperative of fisheries in Boulogne-sur-Mer.

"Our ocean feeds billions of people and provides 80% of the world's biodiversity,” said Sid Hulse, vice president, product development at PLT Health Solutions, in a press release. “Our innovation partner, Copalis, believes that the natural marine environment is a treasure for the well-being of humans and animals, and that this environment is fragile and must be preserved. For this reason, Copalis has been protecting natural marine resources since 1960. Being verified non-GMO by one of the world’s leading non-GMO verification organizations sends a message to consumers that we care about sustainability and their health and wellness needs.”

Collactive Collagen Complex, a 100% marine-based ingredient of collagen and elastin peptides, received non-GMO verification from The Non-GMO Project.

PLT’s Collactive Collagen Complex earns non-GMO verification

Roquette (Geneva, IL) launched a ready-to-use, pharmaceutical-grade solution, called Lycagel Premix, for vegetarian softgel capsule formulation using the company’s pea starch technology. The formulation enables capsule characteristics comparable to gelatin softgels, including excellent capsule strength, seal integrity, quick drying time with no stickiness, fast disintegration, and improved performance due to high thermal and chemical stability.

“Accessing the right quantities of raw materials is not always straightforward. Lycagel Premix eliminates the need for manufacturers to manage multiple raw material inventory and simplifies processes, like handling and storage, as well as streamlining manufacturing through the simple addition of water and glycerol to the powder,” said Paul Smaltz, vice president of Roquette Pharmaceutical Solutions, in a press release.

The formulation supports non-GMO, halal, kosher and clean-label claims. “Available as a drop-in solution for customers’ existing systems, it is now easy for manufacturers to adopt the premix into current manufacturing set-ups without requiring re-tooling of the line. This eliminates the need for dosing of individual ingredients, while also minimizing the risk of variability and probability of production failure,” added Smaltz.

Roquette launched a ready-to-use, pharmaceutical-grade solution, called Lycagel Premix, for vegetarian softgel capsule formulation using the company’s pea starch technology.

Roquette launches plant-based softgel premix

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a 

 submitted by The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN; Washington, D.C.) for the agency to reverse its decision to prohibit manufacturers from marketing products containing N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) as dietary supplements. In its response to CRN, FDA simply advised the trade association that it was considering the issues raised by its petition, as well as the petition filed by the 

(NPA; Washington, D.C.), but has not yet reached any decision. The agency asked interested parties to submit more data and evidence to help reach a decision such as “data or information regarding the past safe use of NAC in products marketed as dietary supplement.”

CRN’s president and CEO expressed disappointment in FDA’s letter. “FDA’s initial position, expressed in a series of warning letters in July 2020, appears to be that products containing N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) may not be lawfully marketed as dietary supplements. The legal issues here are clear: The provisions of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) may not be interpreted retroactively to remove ingredients that were lawfully marketed in 1994 and have enjoyed a long history of safe use since then. The delay in clearing up the status of NAC by asking for more data and refusing to admit its error disregards the law and disserves consumers who use NAC,” says Mister in a statement.

“This is not a complicated determination for FDA to make. DSHEA makes clear that ingredients in use as dietary supplement ingredients prior to its enactment are grandfathered into the supplement marketplace. Thus, pharmaceutical manufacturers could not have had any expectation of exclusivity in the years prior to the creation of this provision of the law,” Mister continues. “Given the long history of safe use of NAC, FDA cannot now try to establish a safety concern in order to award this ingredient exclusively to drug makers. Even members of Congress have expressed concerns over FDA’s position on NAC while the agency continues to avoid admitting its error in the warning letters.”

As a result of the warning letters, says Mister, many retailers have discontinued the sale of NAC products, hurting the ability of consumers to access these products. “FDA’s delay is a disservice to the dietary supplement industry, retailers, health care practitioners, and most importantly, the more than 200 million supplement users who rely on FDA to do its job,” Mister concludes.

FDA has issued a “tentative response” to a citizen petition submitted by CRN for the agency to reverse its decision to prohibit manufacturers from marketing products containing N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) as dietary supplements. 

FDA responds to CRN’s citizen petition on NAC

 co-authored by Ken A. Thompson and Steven G. Newmaster, PhD, titled “Molecular taxonomic tools provide more accurate estimates of species richness at less cost than traditional morphology-based taxonomic practices in a vegetation survey.” That article made the case for DNA barcoding as a more reliable and cost-effective method of identifying plant species than traditional morphology-based taxonomic practices. The article was retracted after Thompson raised concerns about the data source and reproducibility. Upon post-publication review, the publication’s editor-in-chief confirmed concerns about data availability and the validity of data included in the article.

Thompson was an undergraduate student at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada when he wrote the paper, using data from Newmaster, who is a professor of botany at the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph. The major issues raised by Thompson were that the DNA data was not posted at the time of the article’s publication, and that when the data was uploaded eventually in September 2020, review of this data was unable to confirm that it was actually derived from the research described in the article, nor did it support the paper’s conclusion. An article published in 

 provides more detail on Thompson’s efforts to disavow the study he co-authored. Newmaster did not respond to correspondence from 

Newmaster’s work is well known to the industry because of a different study he authored in 2013 published in 

 using DNA barcoding. That study found DNA barcodes from plant species not listed on the labels of 59% of 44 herbal products sampled, as well as contaminants and fillers not listed on labels of one third of these products. This paper was widely criticized by industry. In a letter to the journal’s editor, Michael McGuffin, president of the American Herbals Products Association (AHPA; Silver Spring, MD), identified inaccuracies and stated that “blanket assertions about the accuracy of this novel analytical tool are premature.” The American Botanical Council (ABC; Austin, TX) went so far as to 

 critiquing the article and calling on Newmaster to retract it.

Ultimately, the 2013 article became the basis for New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s decision to issue cease and desist letters to makers of devil’s claw supplements sold in the state. These actions led to negative press challenging the quality and integrity of the herbal products industry and greater regulatory burden on dietary supplement companies.

The study's co-author Ken A. Thomspon could no longer stand behind the results because the study's DNA data was not posted at the time of the article’s publication in 2014, and that when the data was uploaded eventually in September 2020, review of this data was unable to confirm that it was actually derived from the research described in the article.

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Microbiome 2021: A Nutritional Outlook Symposium: December 1, 2021

Fiber forward: Where are fiber food ingredient trends heading?